Walton’s Bodhran Drums
An expertly played bodhran is an asset to any session, yet its presence often inspires humorous remarks from participants.
Walton bodhrans provide premium musical tone with sleek wooden frames and handpicked goatskin heads, along with reliable tuning mechanisms suited for traveling professionals and younger players.
Origin
The Bodhran is an iconic Irish frame drum. Constructed of flexible wood hoops forming shallow cylindrical shapes, its end covered in white leather (probably sheep or goat skin) is fastened together using nails for fastening purposes.
The exact origins of the bodhran remain elusive; however, it emerged as an indispensable instrument of Irish folk music during the 1950s and 60s when Celtic revival gained momentum. Although easy to learn, its mastery requires both skill and musicality.
Waltons Bodhrans are of superior quality and offer great value. Complete with a carrying case and hardwood beater, they make excellent options for beginners as well as advanced players. Their selection includes tunable models with hand-selected goatskin heads that feature an easy tuning mechanism.
History
The Bodhran is an integral component of Irish music. It can add rhythm and depth to a band performance or solo set. Additionally, the instrument often works well alongside flute.
Many bodhrans are constructed out of plywood with crossbars for added strength, with goatskin skins typically covering them but other animal skins can also be used. According to legend, they originated in Persia where frame drums were employed in winnowing grain harvests.
Walton’s is at the forefront of Ireland’s traditional musical tradition with two retail stores, music schools, distribution division, publishing/manufacturing company and manufacturing subsidiary. Their bodhran pack for beginner players features beautiful designs featuring hardwood Waltons beaters for added durability. This pack makes an excellent start.
Sound
Bodhrans are at the core of Irish traditional music and can take any song to new heights. Though easy to learn, their complexity becomes clear once properly played.
Walton bodhrans are designed with premium quality materials and an elegant musical tone in mind. Bodhrans from Walton offer superior stability and durability thanks to heavy duty laminated shells; handpicked premium quality goatskin heads allow for tonal flexibility and dynamic response; while their reliable tuning mechanism enables fine tuning on demand.
Bodhrans with an approximate diameter of 8″ come with a carrying box and hardwood beater for convenience and are available in various traditional Irish designs – perfect for beginning players! Additionally, we have Bodhran Packs which contain everything you need to start playing!
Styles
Walton Bodhrans come in an assortment of designs suitable for beginners to advanced players, offering premium musical tone that’s easy to transport. Choose between standalone drums or an entire pack including carrying case and hardwood beater – each offers premium musical tone while remaining portable and simple to play!
This 8″ Kilkenny cross bodhran features premium quality goat skins and a hardwood Waltons beater for maximum beginner convenience. Complete with carrying case and instructional DVD, it provides everything newcomers to the instrument need for starter playing sessions. Available in multiple traditional Irish designs as well as standard head sizes (compatible), its design allows multiple tonal possibilities with easy tuning on demand and is built to withstand heavy use for extended playing sessions by both novice players as well as children starting out.
Accessories
The Bodhran is at the core of Irish music, capable of creating intricate rhythms. This easy instrument to learn makes an instant impactful statement during performances.
Walton’s offers an assortment of bodhran accessories and packs designed to suit both beginners and experienced players, such as tunable bodhrans, standalone drums and an all-inclusive starter pack with everything needed for playing bodhran.
Our classic range of standard bodhrans is easy to play and comes equipped with a carrying box and hardwood beater, offering great value at 8″ or 12″. They are offered with celtic designs in 8″ or 12″, making them great introduction to drumming or as entry level drums. Plus, with regular applications of our nourishing Bodhran Care Cream you can ensure goatskin heads stay supple and tone remains high.
